Corrie's Michelle Keegan talks Tina, Tommy romance future - interview
Coronation Street's Tina McIntyre and Tommy Duckworth finally get together next week as some sad news brings them closer.
Tommy (Chris Fountain) receives a shock in an upcoming episode as he learns that his grandfather Geoff Horton has passed away, so he turns to Tina for support during the emotional time.
The Weatherfield pair later realise that they're meant to be an item, and they decide to finally be honest about their feelings - before sealing their union with a kiss…
Digital Spy recently chatted to Michelle Keegan, who plays Tina, to hear about the storyline.
We've seen a long journey for Tina and Tommy. Are you glad they're finally getting together?
"I am - and I'm really glad over the way it's been done. Often you'll see a bit of a spark between two characters and they'll get together straight away, but I've really liked the 'Will they, won't they?' element with Tommy and Tina. It's hopefully made the story more exciting for the viewers, as people have been wanting them to get together for a while now."
Tina is a big support for Tommy when his grandfather passes away, isn't she?
"Yes, Tommy uses Tina as a shoulder to cry on. Obviously Tina had quite a tragic time when her dad died a couple of years ago, so she knows how to cope with something like this. She uses her experience to help Tommy get through it."
Does it bring back any bad memories for Tina?
"I think it does bring back some bad memories, but she's more worried about Tommy than anything else. She goes back and she thinks about how she felt after her dad died, and she remembers that Graeme looked after her. So now she steps in and does the same for Tommy."
When do things take a romantic turn?
"Well, you'll see Tommy speaking about his granddad and Tina reminiscing about her dad, so they're sharing all of these memories. There's a bit of a moment between them at that point, and it looks like they're going to get together there and then. But then Jason comes in and disturbs them! I can't give too much away about how they get together, so you'll have to wait and see what happens next."
How strong are Tina's feelings for Tommy?
"I think Tina has got really strong feelings for him. They've known each other for a year now, and they've had a bit of a love/hate relationship. They've obviously got feelings for each other, but Tina hates the way that Tommy is a bit of a lad. She's always been a bit sceptical about how Tommy is around women!"
Can Tina trust Tommy to stay faithful?
"I think that's what Tina has been having issues with - whether she can trust him or not. But she's had a lot of people telling her that she just needs to take a chance, as they're meant to be together. Tina realises that you only live once, she likes Tommy, so why not?"
We know they're getting together, but could there still be some drama on the way for Tina and Tommy?
"I've heard a few bits that are coming up. There will be bits of drama in the relationship and it won't just be plain sailing - I've already heard that on the grapevine!"
Would you like to have a soap wedding at some point?
"It'd be lovely, as long as there's a bit of drama before it, during it, and after! Otherwise it wouldn't be a soap wedding if everything went according to plan. But I do see Tommy and Tina being in this relationship for the long haul, definitely. It'd be cool to become a Duckworth."
There's already been some people comparing them to Jack and Vera. How do you feel about that?
"It's a massive compliment to be compared to them, because they're a very iconic couple. I think it's because Tina wears the trousers in the relationship like Vera did. I loved that relationship, because there was so much comedy and bickering between them, but deep down they really did love each other.
"I think we see a similar thing with Tina and Tommy. Tina is very opinionated and she wants to tame Tommy, but you can tell that there's strong feelings between them."
You've also had another story recently as Tina has been feuding with Tyrone's fiancée Kirsty…
"Yeah, and I've really enjoyed exploring that feisty side of Tina. Tyrone is Tina's mate, and she's very loyal to her friends. She's always going to keep an eye on Tyrone to find out how things are going with Kirsty around.
"But she's also happy that she now has her own life to deal with, as she's getting closer to Tommy. She's also out of Tyrone's house, so it's making it easier for her to get on with her own life. Tina will carry on looking out for Tyrone, though.
"Natalie Gumede, who plays Kirsty, is really, really good at what she does. She's so nice in real life as well. It's easy to dislike her character on screen, but that just proves how good an actress she is, because she's lovely in real life."
Can we also expect conflict between Tina and Terry Duckworth when he returns?
"Oh yes, they don't get along, I can tell you that! She doesn't want Terry to take the mick out of Tommy, so there's going to be a bit of tension between those two at first."
Do you think Tina could do with a female friend on the cobbles?
"I've always wanted her and Kylie to be friends, as I think she'd definitely bring the feistiness out of Tina again and they could be a bit of a double act. Who knows? Hopefully she will get a friend on the street, but she always seems to go for lads as friends - she's a bit of a tomboy."
How about bringing in a relative?
"Oh yeah, I'd love that. We've touched base with Tina's mum before, when I first started in Corrie. She's also mentioned her cousin a few times, who is always out raving on the weekends. It'd be really good to see a family member come on the street for Tina - I think she needs that."
How do you feel about being in the running for 'Sexiest Female' at the British Soap Awards again?
"It's amazing, I don't know what they see at all! I just feel really grateful that I can be in the running for it - it's really flattering."